Shadow's POV
I didn't realize my hands were bleeding so badly. Blood oozed out from my knuckles. They were completely swollen and bruised, but I didn't feel a thing. Im completely numb. I've been punching the punching bag Ferro put in my room for hours now. How could this happen? Why does the Moon Goddess hate me so much? My life is a waste, and the hope I had of escaping this horrible place and leaving it behind faded as reality rained down on me. I scoff to myself. How could he possibly think I'd ever let him touch me after everything he's done to me? F***ing delusional. 'We need to save our strength if you are going to run away tonight. It's not going to be easy trying to escape an Alpha.' Zeph is right. I sent one more punch to the beat-up punching bag and then sat on my poor excuse of a bed with my head in my hands. I'd die trying to escape rather than let him have his way with me. I'd be even more of a slave to him than I am now, and that's not going to happen. KNOCK KNOCK I lifted my head to see a worried look on Ferro's face. "May I?" "Sure, come in." I stood up and walked to the door as he entered. I poke my head out the door to make sure no one is around and eavesdropping. Roman isn't dumb and I'm sure he knows I'm going to run, so I wouldn't be surprised if he ordered his men to follow and keep an eye on me. I close the door once I'm satisfied, and I turn to Ferro, pacing back and forth. I've never seen Ferro nervous he always has a cold and unreadable expression on his face. "Roman plans to mark and mate you Shawdow, you have to run principessa." "I know, I'm trying to come up with a plan, but so far, I've got nothing. How'd you find out?" "He discussed it with me when I went to his office." Ferro's eyes were changing color, letting me know he's fighting with his wolf, Zaine, for control. Zaine is just as overprotective as Ferro. "Hey, calm down." I walked over to him and put my hand on his shoulder to make him look at me. "I'm going to come up with something, so please stop worrying. You've worried about me since Roman took me in, and I'm sorry for being a burden on you." Ferro's face hardened, and his eyebrows furrowed as he met my gaze. "Don't you ever call yourself a burden in front of me again. I didn't allow Roman to kill you because I knew you were special." He pulled me into a hug and rested his chin on my head after kissing my forehead. "You reminded me of someone I loved dearly when I saw you that night, and I vowed to protect you. You were never a burden, sei la mia grazia salvifica principessa."(you are my saving grace, princess) My eyes began to glisten while still wrapped in Ferro's warm embrace as I took in his words. No one has ever been nice to me or even cared for my wellbeing. I owe everything to Ferro. We parted and then decided to go for a walk outside so we could discuss things freely without feeling watched. Roman has the pack house being decorated for tonight's mating ceremony. He's serious, and that's can't be taken lightly. I have to come up with a plan before I run out of time. Eventually, we came to the idea of me pretending to get ready for the ceremony to keep Roman from being suspicious. After the ceremony starts and everyone gathers into the building, I am going to sneak out and head into the woods. As soon as I'm off Roman's territory, I have to catch a bus and head north to start my new life. I begged Ferro to come with me, but he insisted on staying behind and distracting them as long as possible. He said it would be dangerous if he came along and he's right. He also told me not to tell him exactly where Im going. Roman will expect Ferro to know something and will use the Alpha's Authority on him to find out my whereabouts. He can't say what he doesn't know, and it's the best way to ensure my safety, but once again, Ferro will be putting himself in danger for me. The thought of having to leave Ferro behind is heartbreaking, but it has to be done if I'm going to get out alive. I really wish there was another way. 7:30pm I showered and put on the dress that was laid on my bed when I entered my room. The dress was a dark blue with see-through sleeves and rhinestones that lined the neck and the sleeves with a slit in the front that stopped at mid thigh. The dress was absolutely stunning, and I hated that it was going to be wasted tonight. I looked at myself in the mirror, and damn. I look good. Dresses aren't my thing. I'll pick a pair of jeans or sweats before I put on a dress. Dresses make me feel exposed and uncomfortable. I'm a warrior. I don't find killing myself to look good as a priority for the fact that I don't care about finding a mate. The mate bond is ridiculous, in my opinion. Falling for someone and losing yourself in them just because the Moon Goddess paired you two is utterly pathetic. Being an assassin, I learned that loving someone only leads to hurting them or yourself. Love makes people vulnerable and weak, and I want no part of it. I look at my wristwatch, and it's 15 minutes until the ceremony begins. Ferro's supposed to be here, and Im starting to get worried. A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. I expected it to be Ferro but was disappointed when I saw one of Roman's guards. "Alpha Roman has requested that you meet him in the garden before the ceremony starts." "Umm.. okay. Do you know where Beta Ferro is? I have to speak with him." "Beta Ferro is with Alpha Roman. You can speak to him when we get there. Alpha has ordered me to escort you there right away, ma'am." 'Shadow, some things off, I feel it.' 'Me too, but let's see if we can talk to Ferro first and find out what's going before we do anything rash.' My gut is tossing and turning and doing flips, making the uneasiness grow inside me. Something is off, but I can't quite understand why. Ferro and I were very careful not to talk out loud about the plan. We mindlinked instead. It was the best way to keep people from ratting us out. We did and followed our normal routine so no suspicions would rise. Did Ferro flake on me and tell Roman our plan? 'You know Ferro and Zaine would never put us in danger, especially with Roman.' Zeph is right. Ferro wouldn't do that to us, but I'm still confused. Why are we meeting at the garden and what's this about? We walk the doors and head to the back of the pack house where the garden sits. The path to the garden is decorated in pretty silver and Sapphire pebbles that glow in the dark along with small solar globe lights that lit the pathway. The variety of flowers were beautiful and in full bloom. The further we walk into the garden I notice the 3 dark figures are standing at the end of the garden. My heart rate quickens, and my stomach is in even more knots. My palms began to sweat, and I can no longer take the anticipation. "Where's Ferro?" I say, and my voice holds all the irritation I'm feeling. It's dark, but even in the moon light you can see the evil and menacing smirk that plays on Roman's face. His voice is sinister and dangerous as he says, "I never thought I'd see the day you put on a dress and actually look..sexy. It's a shame though." He walks towards me and lifts his hand to twirl one of my curls on his finger. His face is mere inches away from mine and his breath fans my cheek. "I thought you knew how I felt about traitors, I mean you were there when we dealt with the last couple of traitors, right?" The heart completely stopped when my thoughts went back to that dreadful day. I tried to keep my voice calm as I said, " Roman I'm not here to pay mind games with you, Im looking for Ferro so get on with it please." He laughed. The sound of his laughter isnt't pleasant or welcoming. It's the exact opposite. His laughter was grotesque and wicked. 'What the f**k is going on with him!? Shadow something is not right I can feel it. He has done something to Ferro and Zaine!' I didn't want it to be true but knowing Roman he knows I'll let him kill me and he doesn't find satisfaction in that. He wants to make me suffer and the only way to do that is through someone I care about. "Ferro Ferro Ferro, I'm so sick of you saying his name. You want to see him so bad, well here he is!!" The two figures that stayed behind Roman slowly walked forward and threw Ferro to the ground causing him to fall face first and knocking out all the air from his lungs.A gasp escaped my lips when my eyes fell on him. The strong, fearless Ferro I once knew now looked so weak and vulnerable. He face that was once smooth and flawlessly handsome is now bleeding from open wounds and cuts scattered across his face. He face was swollen with a busted lip and black eye. Tears started to form in my eyes while I waited on him to meet my gaze. He struggled to sit up, and as he did, he mindlinked me.'Principessa, il mio cuore(princess,my heart), I'm sorry I failed to keep you safe. But Im not gonna fail to help you be free of this. I'm going to distract them-''H*ll no Ferro, this was not the plan. Not like this, please.''There's no other way, principessa. Always remember that you are special and to trust no one.'Now when I say run, you run as far north as you possibly can. You're faster than them, and you can hide in the shadows. 'Go to the Snow Moon Pack. Tell them I sent you.'Before I could respond back to Ferros' mindlink, it ended. He lifted his head
Savon's POVThere she was, my fated mate. I've been waiting for years to find my fated mate. I gave up looking once I turned 24. Her wolf is beautiful. Looking at her standing on top of the lycan she defeated and being covered in blood made her look even more beautiful. I slowly approached my mate, and our eyes met. "Shift!" I commanded. I wanted to see my mate in human form and ask her what was going on. She shifted back, and I was even more amazed at the sight lying beneath me. She was stunning. She was the most beautiful creature I've ever seen. Her smooth, slightly dark complexion shined in the Moonlight.Her hair was dark brown, and it fell past her shoulders, covering her nice sized perky breasts. She slowly stood up, revealing all the tattoos that covered her left shoulder and arm along with her hips and legs. She was an amazing walking piece of art. After moments of admiring her, I noticed I wasn't the only one looking, and immediately, I felt a pang of jealousy course t
Shadow's POV"Thank you."Those are the only words that come out of my mouth as I fight the urge to cry and break down, but fail miserably. I throw my hand over my mouth to keep the sobs from escaping. I don't realize I'm trembling and shaking until I feel a strong pair of arms wraps around me, and my head rests on an iron clad chest.The scent of sandalwood and oranges engulfs my sense and calms my raging emotions that are battling within me. I stiffen a little because I'm not used to affection, and I'm not fond of physical contact, especially with a stranger. My body betrays me by relaxing into the warmth and embracing the tingling sensations on my skin. "Don't cry, little wolf. You're safe now, I'll protect you." His voice is husky and alluring. I hear the sincerity in his voice, and it warms my heart. The only man to ever genuinely care for was Ferro, but he's gone now, and my heart breaks once more. The images from the previous events that led me here flood my mind. It's all
Life is cruel when you're a thirteen year old orphan. You're constantly reminded of how worthless and unwanted you are. Not having a soul to confide in makes it even worse and lonely. I made the mistake of thinking I had a friend once. Tristen Harris became my partner in crime after he was dropped off here, at Lexington Orphange, by Child Services. Our friendship is short-lived as he is now one of my many tormentors. Even our damn caretaker hates me and treats me like shit. I suffer and endure all kinds of abuse due to just my existence. Have you ever heard the saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me"?Yeah, that's straight bullshit. Whoever thought of it can shove it back up their a**. People are cruel, and their words can leave deep scars that take time to heal. I should know. There aren't many insults I haven't already heard, but it still doesn't make them any less lethal than the first time. Dealing with verbal abuse isn't as bad as the phys
The menacing growl from my stomach brings me out of my unconscious spell. It reminds me that I've only eaten once today, and that was hours ago. I look at the small window with aluminum foil on it. I slowly get up using my elbows to steady me. I put one hand on my knee and the other on the ground to support my weight.I get to my feet and trudgingly walk over to the window and rip off some of the foil. The sun has set, and the sky is colored in pink and orange hues, letting me know it's almost dinner time. I am on kitchen duty tonight. I have to be in the kitchen and start prepping for dinner before the kitchen staff get there.I can't be a minute late, or I'll have to suffer Ms. Steven's wrath. Im too weak to bear another beating. Since I plan on escaping, I need to eat and save energy. I can't do that if I'm locked in the basement with no food. I scurry to the kitchen, trying to avoid being noticed. I go down the dormitory and make a right to go down the stairs. The interior of
I have no destination. I have no money. I have no family. I have no home. Despite that, I'm basking in my newfound freedom. l run absent-mindedly and is unaware of the dangerous threat lurking nearby. A rumbling and crashing sound in the distance halts my footsteps. The sound is coming from behind an old Italian diner, in the dark alley. The hairs on my neck are standing up, and my skin breaks out into goosebumps, as a shiver runs down my spine. Keep walking Shadow. It's probably a pesky raccoon. I force myself to continue moving forward. I don't want any trouble, I've had my fair share. As I pick up the pace wanting to avoid whatever or whoever, a loud thud followed by a shrill cry for help .I freeze as fear creeps into my bones. More noise comes from the alleyway. everything in me is screaming run, but my legs move in the direction of the distressed cry for help. I begin panting the closer I get to the commotion. the night is still. my rapid heartbeat ringing in my ears. th
5 YEARS LATER "You have a new mark. Alpha Roman wants the job done by tonight. You know the drill, dont get caught and no witnesses. He wants the job done clean without a mess." Ferro hands me the beige folder, and the components inside are photos of a middle-aged man with red short hair and freckles. He's wearing a suit and tie in most of the photos and is always at the court or city hall, meaning he has to be someone of importance, maybe a politician or another lawyer. Looks like he has a routine outside of his business meetings. Sigh, routines. Makes you an accessible target, which is why people are killed so easily. Once I scan over the photos, I close the folder and nob my head in acknowledgment of the request given to me. Ferro, who I've become surprisingly close to while being Roman's personal hitman or woman, I should say. Ferro taught me everything and has been like a father figure to me. He's been there for me through all the rough and horrible moments I've had to suff
Get in, get out. It's simple. This job isn't ideal but it's keeping me in the Alpha's good graces. Plus it gets me out of house. Girls my age are normally worried about boys and the latest fashion trend. Not me, I'm here on the roof top of a building exactly fifteen feet away from an extravagant hotel. On the twelfth floor and the seventh window to the right going across is a room occupied by a middle aged man trying to get his c**k wet. Sigh. Poor man doesn't even know what's coming. 'You know you shouldn't be doing this, this isn't right.' my wolf Zephina surfaces but I block her out. We go through this every time we do a job. She knows we have to do this, our life depends on it. I got my wolf when I turned 16 which is odd because most don't get their wolf until they're 18 unless you're an Alpha. Ferro witnessed my first shift and said it wasnt safe for me if Alpha Roman found out I had gotten my wolf. He said it could be dangerous for me which is another reason he taught me to f
Shadow's POV"Thank you."Those are the only words that come out of my mouth as I fight the urge to cry and break down, but fail miserably. I throw my hand over my mouth to keep the sobs from escaping. I don't realize I'm trembling and shaking until I feel a strong pair of arms wraps around me, and my head rests on an iron clad chest.The scent of sandalwood and oranges engulfs my sense and calms my raging emotions that are battling within me. I stiffen a little because I'm not used to affection, and I'm not fond of physical contact, especially with a stranger. My body betrays me by relaxing into the warmth and embracing the tingling sensations on my skin. "Don't cry, little wolf. You're safe now, I'll protect you." His voice is husky and alluring. I hear the sincerity in his voice, and it warms my heart. The only man to ever genuinely care for was Ferro, but he's gone now, and my heart breaks once more. The images from the previous events that led me here flood my mind. It's all
Savon's POVThere she was, my fated mate. I've been waiting for years to find my fated mate. I gave up looking once I turned 24. Her wolf is beautiful. Looking at her standing on top of the lycan she defeated and being covered in blood made her look even more beautiful. I slowly approached my mate, and our eyes met. "Shift!" I commanded. I wanted to see my mate in human form and ask her what was going on. She shifted back, and I was even more amazed at the sight lying beneath me. She was stunning. She was the most beautiful creature I've ever seen. Her smooth, slightly dark complexion shined in the Moonlight.Her hair was dark brown, and it fell past her shoulders, covering her nice sized perky breasts. She slowly stood up, revealing all the tattoos that covered her left shoulder and arm along with her hips and legs. She was an amazing walking piece of art. After moments of admiring her, I noticed I wasn't the only one looking, and immediately, I felt a pang of jealousy course t
A gasp escaped my lips when my eyes fell on him. The strong, fearless Ferro I once knew now looked so weak and vulnerable. He face that was once smooth and flawlessly handsome is now bleeding from open wounds and cuts scattered across his face. He face was swollen with a busted lip and black eye. Tears started to form in my eyes while I waited on him to meet my gaze. He struggled to sit up, and as he did, he mindlinked me.'Principessa, il mio cuore(princess,my heart), I'm sorry I failed to keep you safe. But Im not gonna fail to help you be free of this. I'm going to distract them-''H*ll no Ferro, this was not the plan. Not like this, please.''There's no other way, principessa. Always remember that you are special and to trust no one.'Now when I say run, you run as far north as you possibly can. You're faster than them, and you can hide in the shadows. 'Go to the Snow Moon Pack. Tell them I sent you.'Before I could respond back to Ferros' mindlink, it ended. He lifted his head
Shadow's POVI didn't realize my hands were bleeding so badly. Blood oozed out from my knuckles. They were completely swollen and bruised, but I didn't feel a thing. Im completely numb. I've been punching the punching bag Ferro put in my room for hours now. How could this happen? Why does the Moon Goddess hate me so much? My life is a waste, and the hope I had of escaping this horrible place and leaving it behind faded as reality rained down on me. I scoff to myself. How could he possibly think I'd ever let him touch me after everything he's done to me? F***ing delusional. 'We need to save our strength if you are going to run away tonight. It's not going to be easy trying to escape an Alpha.'Zeph is right. I sent one more punch to the beat-up punching bag and then sat on my poor excuse of a bed with my head in my hands.I'd die trying to escape rather than let him have his way with me. I'd be even more of a slave to him than I am now, and that's not going to happen. KNOCK KNOCK
Roman's POV"I want her Ferro, the closer she gets to turning eighteen the stronger the desire is to take her and have my way with her." I've been watching my little flower closely as she grows into a woman. She's changing, her demeanor, her attitude, her confidence. Her body. I want to break her. She isn't that small and timid little girl anymore. When my men and I found her that night, she had the drive to fight, which made her very stubborn and rebellious. I hate disobedience, one f**k up with me, and I kill you. She has tried me too many times over the years. It was Ferro that always came to her rescue. He had gotten too attached and started treating her like his pup. I scoff. How pathetic.I remember the first time I made her kill someone. A smirk forms on my lips as I recall the details of the encounter.It was a life or death situation, a kill or be killed. I felt my d**k twitch threatening to bust through my zipper. The sight of her being covered in blood with scratches and
Get in, get out. It's simple. This job isn't ideal but it's keeping me in the Alpha's good graces. Plus it gets me out of house. Girls my age are normally worried about boys and the latest fashion trend. Not me, I'm here on the roof top of a building exactly fifteen feet away from an extravagant hotel. On the twelfth floor and the seventh window to the right going across is a room occupied by a middle aged man trying to get his c**k wet. Sigh. Poor man doesn't even know what's coming. 'You know you shouldn't be doing this, this isn't right.' my wolf Zephina surfaces but I block her out. We go through this every time we do a job. She knows we have to do this, our life depends on it. I got my wolf when I turned 16 which is odd because most don't get their wolf until they're 18 unless you're an Alpha. Ferro witnessed my first shift and said it wasnt safe for me if Alpha Roman found out I had gotten my wolf. He said it could be dangerous for me which is another reason he taught me to f
5 YEARS LATER "You have a new mark. Alpha Roman wants the job done by tonight. You know the drill, dont get caught and no witnesses. He wants the job done clean without a mess." Ferro hands me the beige folder, and the components inside are photos of a middle-aged man with red short hair and freckles. He's wearing a suit and tie in most of the photos and is always at the court or city hall, meaning he has to be someone of importance, maybe a politician or another lawyer. Looks like he has a routine outside of his business meetings. Sigh, routines. Makes you an accessible target, which is why people are killed so easily. Once I scan over the photos, I close the folder and nob my head in acknowledgment of the request given to me. Ferro, who I've become surprisingly close to while being Roman's personal hitman or woman, I should say. Ferro taught me everything and has been like a father figure to me. He's been there for me through all the rough and horrible moments I've had to suff
I have no destination. I have no money. I have no family. I have no home. Despite that, I'm basking in my newfound freedom. l run absent-mindedly and is unaware of the dangerous threat lurking nearby. A rumbling and crashing sound in the distance halts my footsteps. The sound is coming from behind an old Italian diner, in the dark alley. The hairs on my neck are standing up, and my skin breaks out into goosebumps, as a shiver runs down my spine. Keep walking Shadow. It's probably a pesky raccoon. I force myself to continue moving forward. I don't want any trouble, I've had my fair share. As I pick up the pace wanting to avoid whatever or whoever, a loud thud followed by a shrill cry for help .I freeze as fear creeps into my bones. More noise comes from the alleyway. everything in me is screaming run, but my legs move in the direction of the distressed cry for help. I begin panting the closer I get to the commotion. the night is still. my rapid heartbeat ringing in my ears. th
The menacing growl from my stomach brings me out of my unconscious spell. It reminds me that I've only eaten once today, and that was hours ago. I look at the small window with aluminum foil on it. I slowly get up using my elbows to steady me. I put one hand on my knee and the other on the ground to support my weight.I get to my feet and trudgingly walk over to the window and rip off some of the foil. The sun has set, and the sky is colored in pink and orange hues, letting me know it's almost dinner time. I am on kitchen duty tonight. I have to be in the kitchen and start prepping for dinner before the kitchen staff get there.I can't be a minute late, or I'll have to suffer Ms. Steven's wrath. Im too weak to bear another beating. Since I plan on escaping, I need to eat and save energy. I can't do that if I'm locked in the basement with no food. I scurry to the kitchen, trying to avoid being noticed. I go down the dormitory and make a right to go down the stairs. The interior of